Millions of eggs sold across several southern U.S. states are being recalled after federal health officials warned they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Wednesday that Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs that were produced at the company’s facilities in Texas.
The recall affects eggs that were distributed to grocery stores in multiple states, prompting consumers to check their refrigerators and avoid eating any products included in the recall.
According to the FDA, the affected eggs were sold through several major grocery chains, including Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, as well as Brookshire Grocery locations serving customers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
The agency urged consumers who purchased the recalled eggs to verify whether they are part of the affected batches. Anyone who has the recalled products should not consume them and should instead dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund, depending on the retailer’s return policy.
At the time of the announcement, the FDA said no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled eggs. However, the agency emphasized that the recall was issued as a precaution because of the potential presence of Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacteria commonly associated with eggs and poultry products.
As part of its response, Midwest Poultry Services has stopped distributing eggs produced at its Texas farms while the issue is being addressed. The company has not publicly commented on the recall beyond the FDA’s announcement.
Reuters reported that requests for comment sent to Midwest Poultry Services and Kroger outside regular business hours were not immediately answered. Brookshire Grocery also could not be immediately reached for comment.
Although no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the recalled eggs so far, health officials warn that Salmonella Enteritidis can pose a significant health risk if contaminated eggs are consumed.
The bacteria can be present either on the shell of an egg or inside the egg itself. Because eggs may appear completely normal, consumers cannot determine whether they are contaminated simply by looking at them.
People infected with Salmonella typically begin experiencing symptoms between 12 and 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
For most healthy adults, the illness lasts several days and resolves without specific treatment. However, some cases can become severe enough to require hospitalization.
Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are considered to be at the highest risk of developing serious complications from Salmonella infections.
In severe cases, the bacteria can spread from the intestines into the bloodstream and other parts of the body, potentially leading to life-threatening infections if prompt medical treatment is not received.
Food safety experts recommend that consumers always cook eggs thoroughly, avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, and practice proper kitchen hygiene to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Washing hands after handling raw eggs and preventing cross-contamination with other foods are also important safety measures.
Consumers who believe they may have purchased eggs included in the recall should review the FDA’s recall notice for identifying information such as plant codes and sell-by dates. If there is any doubt, the safest course of action is to discard the eggs rather than consume them.
Anyone who develops severe symptoms after eating eggs—particularly persistent diarrhea, high fever, dehydration, or bloody stools—should seek medical attention promptly.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and said the recall was initiated to protect consumers while the source of the potential contamination is addressed. Officials encourage anyone with recalled eggs to stop using them immediately and follow the guidance provided by the agency and the retailer where the eggs were purchased.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
